Jan & John Maggs

Antiques and Art

An early engraved brass tobacco box

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The European passion for tobacco smoke, which began with Walter Raleigh’s discoveries in the New World, became a national pastime in England and much of the Continent. Smoking became so popular that creative metalworkers developed a new form – the elongated rectangular tobacco box – which reached the height of its popularity in the 18th century.

This little brass box is one of those. Its characteristic elongated rectangular form with hinged lid and rounded corners became emblematic for males of the period, often seen in paintings holding their handsome pipes. These boxes were usually adorned by hand engraving. Both horizontal surfaces of this example have circular pictorial vignettes at its ends with a central rectangular cartouche containing engraved text between them. Although largely illegible, the text of this box appears to be a satirical allegory about life in the tavern.

While its engraving is worn by years of carrying and rubbing, the box is in good condition, with a working hinge and a lid that shuts nicely.

Dutch, ca. 1720 – 40

Length: 6 ½”; Width: 2”; Height: 1 ⅜”

Price: $225

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